How to Build a Simple DIY Worm Farm Using an IBC
Worm farming is one of the easiest and most effective ways to turn food scraps and organic waste into rich compost. It’s good for your soil, your plants, and the environment. In this guide, Luke from Re-Gen Farming shows how to build a simple and practical worm farm using an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Container).
This is a great weekend project for farmers, gardeners, or anyone wanting to compost at home.
What You’ll Need
One 1000L IBC (tank and cage)
Angle grinder with a thin cutting blade for steel
Drill with a 2–3 mm bit
Dark-coloured paint
Shade cloth or geofabric
Worm bedding, compost worms, food scraps, animal manure and straw.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cut the IBC
Use an angle grinder to cut the steel cage at the first rung and remove the top section of the IBC. Keep this piece, as you’ll use it later to make a lid.
Cut the top of the IBC as described in the video. This will create a reservoir to collect the Vermicast liquid.
2. Paint the IBC
Before reassembling, paint the outside of the IBC with a dark colour to block sunlight. This is a key step. If you leave it clear, sunlight will cause algae and slime build-up, ruining the quality of the castings.
Once dry, place the painted IBC back into the cage.
3. Drill Drainage Holes
Drill a bunch of small holes (2–3 mm) in the top section you cut from the IBC , then place inside IBC as shown. This allows liquid to drain into the reservoir while keeping the worms and castings up top.
4. Add a Barrier Layer
Place shade cloth or geofabric inside the bottom of the worm chamber. This acts as a filter, stopping worms and solids from dropping into the reservoir while still allowing liquid to pass through.
5. Make the Lid
Grab the top piece you cut off earlier. Remove any leftover metal, flip it over, and attach some shade cloth. This gives you a breathable lid to keep pests out and airflow in.
6. Add Worms and Bedding
Now it’s ready to use. Add your worm bedding, compost worms, and some food scraps. Keep the material moist but not too wet, and avoid adding citrus, onion, or meat.
Why Worm Farms Work
Worm farms are a great way to recycle kitchen scraps and other organic matter and create rich compost full of beneficial microbes. The castings and worm tea improve soil structure, help plants grow stronger, and boost overall soil health.
Whether you’re growing veggies, managing pastures and crops, or just want to reduce waste, a worm farm is a great tool to have on hand.
If you don’t have time to manage one, Luke also recommends using quality liquid Vermicast products to get similar soil benefits.
Have Fun & Enjoy!
Building a worm farm using an IBC is a simple, cost-effective project. It took Luke about two hours to put one together. With basic tools and a bit of effort, you’ll end up with a compost system that produces powerful, living fertiliser.
Got questions? Reach out to Luke and the team at Re-Gen Farming. They’re always happy to help.
